Bell X-1 Airplane Model

One of your favorite miniature planes!

The Bell X-1 is a rocket plane manufactured by Bell Aircraft and was originally designated as the XS-1. The Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound in controlled, level flight. It was primarily used by the United States Air Force and NACA (now NASA).

The Bell X-1 took its place in history on October 14, 1947 as the first aircraft to break the "sound barrier". The recorded speed was Mach 1.015 or 670 mph at an altitude of 42,000 ft. The "plane" was flown by chief test-pilot Chuck Yeager.

The X-1 program became the pattern for all subsequent X-craft projects and it defined and solidified the post-war cooperative union by the NACA in the X-1 tests then provided a basis for American aviation supremacy during the 20th century. The Bell X-1 has a crew of 1. It has a maximum speed of 957 mph (Mach 1.26). The Bell X-1 incorporates 4 Reaction Motors XLR-11-RM3 liquid fuel rocket, with 6,000 lbf each.